Page
Freedom through Building-up Others
Completion requirements
Christ offers an alternative model of leadership, one anchored in humility, service to others, and love of one’s enemy. Many leadership styles are steeped in power and authority. Jesus said that God-honoring leadership is not like that. It does not “Lord-over” the other (Matt. 20:25). By contrast, the essence of Christ-centered leadership lies in empowering and building others up. This is the path to genuine freedom for both the leader and the led.
There is an inherent tendency in many leadership structures to be dictatorial, and those who like to dominate often seek out leadership positions. But the desire to always be right, the compulsion to impose one’s will on others, and the creation of cultish cultures not only reflect a skewed understanding of leadership. They are a sick form of leadership.
At the core of these behaviors is often underlying insecurities, often masked as strength. For example, an insecure leader may “run when no one is chasing.” An insecure leader can become paranoid, acting out on imaged threats that aren’t real. They can be in a constant state of defensiveness. It can reflect a deep-rooted fear of losing control or authority.
Others bluff. They may put on a display of overwhelming strength, thinking that it will testify to their capability. Yet, as often as not, this bravado can merely be a façade to hide underlying weaknesses. Such power-centric leadership styles inevitably lead to environments marked by fear, stagnation, and limited growth.
Drawing inspiration from Christ’s teachings, one finds a radically different leadership style. Christ’s model is inherently selfless, consistently focusing on the well-being and growth of others. Here, the emphasis isn’t on proving oneself right, but on building others up, ensuring they realize their true potential in the eyes of God.
An Encouragement-Centered Leadership Style
To usher in personal freedom and foster a healthy leadership environment, adopting an encouragement-centered approach is liberating. This style is marked by:
- Active Listening: Engaging genuinely with team members, understanding their perspectives, and valuing their insights.
- Empathy and Compassion: Recognizing the intrinsic value of every individual, respecting their unique journeys, and supporting them through challenges.
- Empowering Others: Providing opportunities for growth, entrusting responsibilities, and celebrating their successes.
- Open Communication: Encouraging a culture of openness, where feedback is welcomed, and everyone feels valued.
By focusing on encouragement and upliftment, leaders not only bring out the best in their teams but also experience profound freedom. This freedom is the absence of the burdensome need to always be right, to dominate, or to create an artificial hierarchy. It is the liberty to serve, to grow together, and to lead with love.
Learners and leaders alike must recognize the transformative power of encouragement. By constantly building others up, you create a culture of trust. You earn respect, not out of fear but out of genuine admiration. Such influence is lasting and impactful.
In the realm of leadership, authenticity triumphs over forcefulness. Leaders leave a more profound impression when they aren’t actively trying to impress. Genuine interactions, marked by Christ's love and wisdom, resonate deeply. When a leader focuses on the growth and well-being of their team, the entire organization thrives. There’s a collective sense of purpose, direction, and camaraderie.
Christ, in his infinite wisdom, offers the world a model of leadership that transcends power dynamics. He exemplifies a leadership style centered on love, humility, and service. As individuals and leaders adopt this encouragement-centered approach, they experience profound freedom—a freedom rooted in Christ's teachings, where building others up becomes the pathway to collective growth, genuine influence, and lasting success.